April 10, 2005

Newport, RI -- The men's tennis team was shut out by CCC reigning champ Salve Regina, 0-9. The Gulls lost each singles match in straight sets, but made Salve, a perennial powerhouse, earn each win.

Every match featured some long, well-played rallies, and several singles matches almost went to three sets. Nate Buell, playing 6th singles, lost a 1st tie-breaker, 8-6, which could have gone either way. "Nate was hitting very well in practice this week, and almost pulled that set out," said Coach Mark Herlihy.

Nick Bayrouty, playing 2nd singles, was up 5-2 in his second set, before his opponent regained control of the set en route to a 6-2, 7-5 victory. Matthew Nolan extended his 4th singles opponent, especially in the second set, before bowing 0-6, 4-6.

"We have nothing to hang our heads about," said Coach Mark Herlihy. "Salve is one of the top Division III programs in the region and could beat some Division I teams. They played us more or less at full strength. But we battled and didn't go down without a fight."

The Gulls (0-4) resume action at home on Tuesday, April 12 vs. Colby Sawyer (3:30 start).